Seasonal AC maintenance is important for preventing unexpected breakdowns. Additionally, the right maintenance plan can extend the lifespan of your AC and increase the energy efficiency of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit. By improving your HVAC system’s energy efficiency, you can reduce your energy costs and save money on your monthly utility bill.
At top-ranked HVAC companies like Central Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, you can discover the best HVAC services and maintenance plans. By completing your AC maintenance checklist, you can prevent the majority of emergency HVAC repairs from happening.
1. Spring Maintenance: Preparing for the Heat
Before it gets too hot, you should spend some time preparing your AC for summertime. Besides using HVAC maintenance tips, you should schedule a professional inspection with a top AC maintenance service. A professional HVAC technician can inspect your AC for potential problems and provide home cooling tips.
In addition to getting an HVAC inspection, there are a few maintenance tasks you should perform on your own. For instance, your air filters should be cleaned or replaced every 30 to 90 days.
Periodically, you should remove weeds and debris from around your outdoor unit. This helps ensure better airflow and prevent moisture damage.
Finally, check your thermostat. If it isn’t working properly, you can use the manufacturer’s specifications to reset it. You should also make sure the settings are correct because sometimes a family member will change the settings without telling anyone else.
2. Summer Maintenance: Keeping Your System Running Smoothly
During summer, your AC is in almost constant use. To keep it functioning at its peak performance level, there are a few seasonal AC maintenance tasks you should do. Some of these tasks are mechanically involved, so you should reach out to a professional HVAC company if you are uncertain about how to carry out a specific activity.
For instance, cleaning the condenser coils and evaporator coils should be done periodically to ensure maximum energy efficiency. Condenser coils can be cleaned with a hose, and you should use a gentle setting to avoid damaging the fins. Although evaporator coils can be cleaned with a vacuum or compressed air, this is generally a task that should be left to the experts.
At each HVAC maintenance appointment, the HVAC technician will also check your refrigerant levels. If the refrigerant levels drop, it causes your AC to work harder to cool your home and can lead to a frozen AC. Fortunately, low refrigerant levels can be easily fixed by having an HVAC technician recharge the refrigerant.
3. Fall Maintenance: Transitioning to Cooler Weather
Once summertime comes to a close, the next step is preparing your AC for wintertime with proper air conditioner care. You should schedule a heating system check around this time so that your heating system is ready for wintertime use.
As you complete your AC maintenance checklist, watch for signs of wear. If there are faulty components, it’s a good idea to get them replaced before next summer.
You can talk to a reputable HVAC company, like Central Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, about the best tips for protecting your HVAC unit and covering your AC. Depending on where you live, the way you cover your AC may vary. If you don’t live in a humid area, you can buy an air conditioner cover that goes over your entire AC.
However, people who live in humid areas will need to be careful about covers in order to avoid trapping moisture. In humid areas, it may be better to simply place a wooden board on top of the AC with a brick to weigh it down. By putting a board on top, you can keep rain, leaves, and debris out of your unit.
4. Winter Maintenance: Ensuring Longevity
While you probably won’t use your AC during the wintertime, there are a few maintenance tasks you should do to keep it in working order. Throughout the winter, you should remove debris from around the AC. Additionally, you may want to consider upgrading the insulation in your home because high-quality insulation keeps heat out better, which means your AC doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your home cool.
5. Year-Round Tips for AC Maintenance
Year-round maintenance is vital if you want to avoid uncomfortable breakdowns in midsummer. Throughout the year, you should perform maintenance tasks like changing the air filter and checking the thermostat settings. You should also check your vents to make sure they aren’t obstructed by furniture, clothes, or other belongings.
Getting seasonal AC maintenance from a company like Central Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can prevent expensive repairs and extend the lifespan of your unit. If you notice any unusual sounds or smells, it’s important to seek professional repair help right away.
Schedule Regular Maintenance Checks
With a top AC maintenance service, you can enjoy the best level of seasonal AC maintenance. The best HVAC maintenance tips from a company like Central Air Heating, Cooling and Plumbing can help you extend the unit’s lifespan, ensure a high level of comfort, and avoid expensive repairs.
